As much as we love running, let’s be honest -- sometimes it can get a little boring. You’re entering the same local races year after year, running the same routes in your town and toughing through long run after long run.

Sometimes it’s fun to shake things up a bit. Trying a new race that isn’t like the ones you’re typically used to is one of the best ways to do that.

We’ve scoured the internet to compile a list of 50 truly epic races happening this year that will leave you breathless, in more ways than one. Whether you’re into food, costumes, oddities or once-in-a-lifetime challenges, we’ve got you covered.

So pack a bag, see new sights and enjoy these unforgettable races.

To jump to a particular theme, click the "quick navigation" links below.​

1. Superhero Races

Nobody grew up wanting to be Lex Luthor -- they wanted to be Superman. Superhero races give grown adults the chance to revisit their childhood dreams without any judgement from others.

If you think about it, runners are a perfect fit to dress as superheroes -- we already have all the colorful spandex we need to pull off a superhero costume. So put on a cape, a mask and dress as your favorite hero as you run the streets of these cities.

8th Annual Superhero Half Marathon and Relay on May 21 in Morris Township, New Jersey

CASA Super Hero Race on Saturday, April 22 in Salem, Oregon

Heroes for Hope 5k on April 1 in Swainsboro, Georgia

Wear your best superhero outfit as you fight one of society’s biggest villains -- cancer. By raising awareness and money to fight this disease, you can be a real-life hero, and that’s better than pretend any day of the week.

You choose the length of the race you want to do -- the Avengers Half Marathon, Thor 10k, Infinity Gauntlet Challenge or Spider-Man 5k. Each race offers a different awesome-looking metal worthy of your superhero status, and you’ll also get a shirt and a virtual goodie bag.

2. Haunted/Scary Races

Nothing can take your mind off your aching legs and burning lungs more than a good scare. You won’t know whether your heart is pounding from your activity level or sheer terror with these scary theme races.

The Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon and Squirrelly Six Mile on Oct. 29 in Voorheesville, New York

You’ve never seen anything quite like this racing experience. There’s so much to take in -- from the giant gorillas and squirrels that are hot on your heels to the graveyard featuring your name -- that the miles will fly by.

Halloween Half Marathon and 5k on Oct. 29 in Atlanta, Georgia

With costumes and kick-ass Halloween-themed medals that are unique every year, this race focuses on one classic Halloween character each year. Every finisher receives a medal, both in the half marathon and in the 5k.

Zombie Chase 5k on Oct. 7 in Dayton, Oregon

You’ll spend your run sprinting away from zombies while taking on various obstacles in your path. Runners can either choose to be a zombie or a fleeing citizen, and those with the best costumes will take home prizes.

A great event for families, this course contains slight hills and offers a costume contest, hayrides, a bonfire, food, face painting and more. If you’re looking for a race that gives you that Halloween feel while you run in the dark, but you don’t want to be scared out of your mind, this one’s for you.

Wicked 10k on Oct. 28 in Virginia Beach, Virginia

We’d go to this race just to see the live Thriller dancers that appear. But it offers much more than that -- thousands of competitors, costumes, music, tomato and cheese soup, Blue Moon beer, beautiful scenery, a technical shirt, prizes and a bottle opener finisher medal.

Boos, Brews and Brats on Oct. 28 in Manistee, Michigan

This is a great family event with plenty of all-day activities for children -- there’s a kid-friendly movie, pumpkin painting, trick or treating and a costume contest. For adults, there is the Zombie 5k run, the .5k Zombie Pub Crawl and the Monster Bash with live music.

Cheesehead Run on Aug. 19 in Hilbert, Wisconsin

This 5k or half marathon offers cash prizes, but the real prize is the gourmet buffet that awaits you at the finish line. Runners can eat maple nut granola, seasonal salads, meats, and of course, cheeses -- and adult runners can have Wisconsin craft beers as well.

Runners will get t-shirts, goodie bags, and medals for the half marathon. Learn more here.

The Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Race in Various Cities on Different Dates

The hot chocolate racing movement is gathering steam. This run is currently offered in more than a dozen cities, including Chicago, Minneapolis, San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, Philadelphia and Denver, to name a few.

Participants get to consume way more calories than they burn off with a number of delicious treats. Check it out ﻿here﻿﻿.

Eat My Crust 5k on May 7 in Viera, Florida

This 5k has a pizza after-party, along with giveaways and prize packs. Plus, if you’re feeling extra confident, you can enter the pizza delivery challenge where you run the entire race while carrying an actual pizza box.

Charm City Wine Run on May 6 in Baltimore, Maryland

While we often get plenty of whine during races, we don’t get nearly enough wine. This race changes that by giving you unlimited beer, wine and spirits tastings, which takes place right after the race.

Hershey Half Marathon on Oct. 15 in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Taking a run down Chocolate Avenue in Hershey might help take some of the sting out 13.1 miles, especially when people are handing out mini candy bars. In addition to some great chocolate, you’ll also get a medal and a shirt.

The Bacon Run 5k on Oct. 14 in Marietta, Georgia

Unlimited bacon is as good of a reason as any other to participate in a run. In this 5k, you’ll be able to chow down to your heart’s content and you just might set a PR in your attempt to reach the bacon quicker.

Bix 7 on July 29 in Davenport, Iowa

This annual 7-mile race known for its hot weather and lots of grueling hills always draws a crowd. In 2016, more than 14,000 runners participated on the course that attracts world-class athletes from all over the globe.

8th Annual Defiance 50k/30k/15k on Oct. 7 in Tacoma, Washington

If you sign up for the 50k, be prepared to run 31.1 miles through an old growth forest that has an elevation change of 1,300 feet. After you hop over roots during your run, party at a fire pit afterward.

Mount Washington Road Race on June 17 on Mount Washington in New Hampshire

You better get some serious hill practice in if you plan to run this 7.6-mile race. You’ll run on the road that travels from the base of the mountain and you’ll almost reach the summit -- that’s a rise of 4,650 feet.

Twin Peaks 50M/50k/30k on Oct. 14 in Corona, California

This might be one of the toughest courses the U.S. has to offer. It has rocky terrain, remote locations and extreme weather, and you just might come across some rattlesnakes or mountain lions along the way.

That ‘80s Run on April 29 in St. Charles, Missouri

If you’ve never been able to get over your deep love of shoulder pads and rockin’ headbands, you’re in luck. This 5k and 10k run pays homage to all things 1980s.

Everyone who signs up will get a radical neon t-shirt and tickets for prize baskets. The first thousand finishers will earn a medal. There are prizes for the top finishers also. To find more information, visit here.

The Color Run on Various Dates in Different Cities

If you’ve always fantasized about looking like Rainbow Brite by the time you reach the finish line of a 5k, The Color Run might be just what you’re looking for. You’ll be covered with various colors every kilometer of your race.

To learn more about The Color Run and to see if there are any events planned in your city, click﻿ ﻿here.﻿﻿﻿

Bay to Breakers on May 21 in San Francisco, California

You’ll never see anything quite like this 12k race where people dress in costumes to make the trek from the San Francisco Bay to finish near the Pacific Coast’s Ocean Beach. For more than 100 years, this race has truly been one of a kind.

3rd Annual Oregon Trail Game 5k on Aug. 6 in Oregon City, Oregon

This 5k is based off the computer game, Oregon Trail. Runners need to make critical choices along their path, such as whether they’ll go hunting or cross a river -- their decisions will help decide their fate.

Runners will not only be timed for their actual run, but they’ll get a game score as well. See the details ﻿here.

Bubble Run on Various Dates in Different Cities

Beat Beethoven 10k/5k on April 15 in Fairbanks, Alaska

Beethoven could have never imagined his Fifth Symphony would one day be used to inspire physical fitness. But in this race, the goal for runners is to finish the race before the end of the song, which is 31 minutes.

To decide if the race inspired by the classical tune will make your list﻿, visit this link.